Proserpine and Midas

Name: Proserpine and Midas
Author: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

By Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

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British Literature Mythology, Legends & Folklore Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

Two short mythological dramas retell classical legends: one follows the descent of a springtime goddess and the emotional aftermath for those left behind, framing seasonal change as a meditation on loss, return, and maternal longing; the other dramatizes a ruler whose wish produces an unsettling transformation, prompting moral and satiric reflection on desire, perception, and consequence. Both combine dramatic scenes and choral lyrics in a lyrical, classically inflected style that emphasizes elegiac emotion, contemplative lyricism, and theatrical compression rather than extended narrative or elaborate spectacle.

About the Author

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797-1851) was an English novelist, best known for her groundbreaking work, "Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus," which is often regarded as one of the first science fiction novels. The daughter of feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft and political philosopher William Godwin, Shelley was deeply influenced by the intellectual currents of her time. Her writing often explored themes of creation, responsibility, and the human condition. In addition to "Frankenstein," she authored several other notable works, including "Falkner" and "Lodore." Shelley's literary contributions have left a lasting impact on literature and continue to inspire discussions on ethics and the nature of humanity.